Scene Of A Greyhound Hunt – English School, Circa 1850, Oil On Canvas

A charming, classic mid-19th-century oil on canvas depicting a hunting scene typical of the British Sporting Art movement. The work depicts two greyhounds (one black and one fawn) on a moor, proudly guarding a freshly caught hare in the foreground.

The wild and misty atmosphere of the English countryside is perfectly captured through a low sky laden with gray-blue clouds. In the background on the right, the silhouette of a hunter on horseback accompanied by his pack is subtly hinted at, adding a beautiful narrative depth to the scene. The fine detail in the dogs’ coats and their muscular anatomy attests to the skill of Victorian-era animal painters from across the Channel.

The work is beautifully highlighted and enhanced by a very substantial period frame in wood and gilded stucco, richly adorned with stylized plant motifs and a wide gilded passe-partout. Notably for an oil on canvas, the painting is presented under its original glass, which has preserved the freshness of the paint layer over the years.

• School: English School

• Period: Circa 1850

• Subject: Two dogs near a hare (Hunting scene/Coursing)

• Technique: Oil on canvas (presented under glass)

• Visible dimensions: 33 x 42 cm

• Condition: Good overall condition. Sound canvas showing old restorations for use and consolidation (visible mainly on the back, in no way affecting the legibility or aesthetic beauty of the front). The superb gilded stucco frame retains its original patina with slight minor wear that underscores its authenticity.